Dozens Injured in Bangladesh Protests

Strike called by Islamic political party upset about rejection by government

Bangladeshi security forces on Tuesday clashed with opposition activists who exploded crude bombs, blocked roads and burned vehicles to enforce a 48-hour nationwide general strike, injuring dozens of people.

Bangladesh's largest Islamic party called the strike to denounce a court decision that its registration with the Election Commission is invalid.

A High Court panel ruled Aug. 1 that the Jamaat-e-Islami party's regulations violate the constitutional provision of secularism by saying it wants to impose Shariah, or Islamic law. Because of the court decision, the party could be barred from taking part in the next elections.